Video: Look how incredibly close Sam Bennett came to crashing in Tirreno-Adriatico bunch sprint

The rider already on the deck is Elia Viviani and right beside him in black, touching his fallen bike, is Ireland’s Sam Bennett in full flight. Viviani brought down a pile of men, but not Bennett.

If the 2015 season proves a good one for Sam Bennett, he’ll looking back and thank his lucky stars for keeping him out of danger today.

The Irishman was 3rd on the opening road stage of Tirreno-Adriatico; his first ever WorldTour podium.

But while the result was very significant for him, perhaps more important was the fact he didn’t hit the deck in the spill that marred the sprint finish into Cascina.

Elia Viviani of Team Sky hit the back wheel of Mark Cavendish (Etixx-QuickStep) and went crashing to the ground as the sprint was winding up, taking a number of others with him.

Bennett was right beside Viviani at the time.

But while the Italian’s bike fell in on top of the Irishman, and appeared to touch him, Bennett stayed upright and focussed on the finish line.

Great result, even better escape.